Director of Economic and Community Based Services

Description

Job Title: Director of Economic and Community Based Services 

Department: Administration - Senior Management   

FLSA Status: Exempt   

Hours/Weeks: Full Year, Full Time  

Bargaining Unit Position: (Y/N): No 

Level: 7 

Hiring Range: -  $80,000 - $88,000

NEKCA Mission Statement:

To empower all generations in the Northeast Kingdom to grow, prosper, and thrive. 

SUMMARY:

The Director of Economic and Community Based Services will work closely with the Senior Leadership team to meet NEKCA’s strategic goals and promote NEKCA's Core Values throughout the agency. This position is a community-based leader whose primary duties are ensuring quality service delivery by oversight of NEKCA’s Economic and Community based programs and staff working in Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties. The Director is responsible for overseeing the planning, implementation, management, supervision, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation of participant services and programs which include the following departments: Economic Access, Community Services Block Grant, Community and Restorative Justice, Youth Services, Food Access, Housing and Homelessness Services and the See More Thrift Store.  

The Director provides agency leadership and representation in the community and maintains concurrent programmatic, data and impact, and budgetary reporting responsibilities.  

The Director is responsible for the planning of new initiatives, securing resources to implement new initiatives, as well as the ongoing operation and evaluation of existing programs. The Director exercises a high degree of independent judgment and decision-making. The Director is part of the agency’s Senior Management team. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

•  Develop and direct the programs within the Economic and Community Based Services with a commitment to excellence, quality improvement, and data driven decision making.  
•  Review and establish effective program procedures and policies. Implement effective systems, program procedures and policies designed for maximum positive impact for NEKCA participants and the communities where they reside.  
•  Demonstrate program success with quality data and regular reporting to Executive Director, Sr. Management Team, Board of Directors, Grantors and Office of Economic Opportunity.  
•  Ensure consistency in service delivery across programs with attention to best practices and integration of component areas; encourage continuous improvement of systems. 
•  Maintain positive program relations and advance advocacy efforts with key community stakeholders, including town governments, legislators, non-profit or state or federal agencies, NEKCA participants, and appropriate private sector businesses and organizations.  
•  Represent the agency in the broader community initiatives such as committees, task forces, working groups, and partnerships that advance NEKCA’s ability to serve participants and enhance our mission.   
•  Participate in intra-agency efforts to promote cooperation and communication with other NEKCA programs including team building activities.   
•  Some travel within NEKCA’s service area and statewide, and occasional regional and national travel, is required.   
•  Attend and participate in staff, agency, and service provider meetings deemed necessary for job performance.

LEADERSHIP QUALITIES:

•  Visionary Thinking: Leaders need to be able to articulate a clear vision for the organization and translate that vision into actionable goals.  
•  Strategic Planning: Leaders must be able to develop and implement long-term plans, considering both the short and long-term goals of the organization.  
•  Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial for conveying the organization's vision, inspiring staff, and engaging with stakeholders.  
•  Decision-Making: Leaders need to make timely and informed decisions, considering the impact on the organization.  
•  Financial Management: Leaders must have a strong understanding of financial matters and be able to manage budgets, track expenditures, and secure funding.  
•  Interpersonal Skills: Building relationships with staff, board members, volunteers, and the wider community is essential for success.  
•  Problem-Solving: Leaders need to be able to identify and address challenges effectively, both within the organization and externally.  
•  Motivating and Inspiring: Leaders must inspire their team and stakeholders to work towards a shared goal.  
• Collaboration: Leaders need to be able to work collaboratively with the board, staff, and other stakeholders.  
•  Integrity and Ethics: Honesty and ethical behavior are essential for building trust and maintaining credibility.  
•  Adaptability: Leaders need to be able to adapt to changing circumstances and navigate complex situations.  
•  Resilience: Leaders need to be able to handle setbacks and challenges with resilience and a positive attitude. 

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES:  

•  Lead a work culture that fosters NEKCA’s Core Values in your work environment. 
•  Develop a clear vision for the team's work and align it with NEKCA's mission and strategic goals. 
•  Recruit, interview, hire, and train new staff. 
• Prepare presentations and trainings for all NKCA staff.
•  Ensure timely and accurate time entries for all staff. 
•  Ensure timely and accurate submission of invoices, employee reimbursements, staffing changes, and credit card receipt submission. 
•  Review and approve transactions in a timely manner. 
•  Directly provides support and supervision of staff and programmatic guidelines, policies and procedures. 
•  Conducts annual written evaluations of all staff that assess performance. 
•  Handles discipline and termination of employees in accordance with NEKCA policy. 
•  Facilitates professional development, training, and certification activities to ensure best practices. 
•  Initiates appropriate action plans to ensure staff work in a safe working environment. 
•  Actively listen to employees and stakeholders to address their concerns and input while leading staff to self-reflect and develop goals. 
•  Provide constructive feedback and coaching to help employees grow and succeed. 
•  Lead teams through periods of change and uncertainty. 
•  Ability to make decisions and solve problems. 
•  Manage budgets and resources efficiently while ensuring financial sustainability. 
•  Collaborate and integrate across programs and departments. 
•  Build and maintain relationships with community partners, stakeholders, and funders. 
•  Understanding grant requirements and maintaining accurate files and records accordingly. 
•  Ensure that NEKCA adheres to all applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards. 
•  Utilize reflective practices in support of staff as they work with participants. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

•  Monitor fiscal operations including development, authorization for purchases and fund obligations, and working with the Finance Office on monthly expenditures and timely required financial reports, in accordance with established standards and procedures including those required by funding sources.   
•  Prepare appropriate grant applications as needed and oversee development of related program contracts and required program evaluations. Ensure that all programmatic and reporting guidelines for funding sources are followed.  
• Conduct long-range planning for program operations and identify possible sources of funding for continuation or expansion. 
• Pursue educational opportunities and training that further professional growth and development within the position.?? 
• Participate in intra-agency efforts to promote cooperation and communication with other NEKCA programs including team building activities.  
• Some travel within NEKCA’s service area and statewide, and occasional regional and national travel is required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Core Competencies:

•   Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Must be able to maintain good relations with participants, other staff, and members of the community.  
•   Must have knowledge of basic computer skills and record keeping, including spreadsheet applications.  
•   Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and database management systems. 
•   This position is considered a mandated reporter.  
•   Must be responsible, self-motivated, self-initiated, may need to work flexible hours (program dependent)  
•   Demonstrate positive problem-solving skills in stressful situations.  
•   Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as part of a team. 
•   Demonstrate familiarity with, and sensitivity to the challenges faced by low-income individuals, and some knowledge of the community and available resources to address them. 
•   Maintain confidentiality. 
•   Complete all required trainings and professional development. 

Core Values:

•  Demonstrate competency in all five areas of NEKCA’s Core Values. 
•  Empower individuals to recognize and utilize their potential for growth and positive change. 
•  Build and maintain strong relationships with the local community. 
•  Involve community members in the organization's initiatives and decision-making processes. 
•  Uphold ethical standards in all interactions with participants and the community. 
•  Participate in self-reflection and self-care practices to prevent burnout. 
•  Adhere to ethical guidelines and professional codes of conduct. 
•  Maintain participant confidentiality and ensure participant safety. 
•  Use clear, respectful, and professional language and behavior when communicating with participants, colleagues, and other service providers. 
•  Demonstrate a genuine understanding of and care for the needs and feelings of participants or service users.  
•  In-person attendance required during scheduled hours as defined by your supervisor. 
•  Be respectful and sensitive to participants’ unique situations and challenges. 
•  Represent NEKCA in public and advocate for its mission. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Employees in this position work primarily in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions. The work involves sitting for extended periods of time, using a computer and other office equipment, and may require occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. Position has occasionally bending, stooping, or reaching for items. Standing or moving around the office area. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

_____________________________________________________________________________ 

The responsibilities listed in this job description are intended to provide a general overview of the role and its expectations. While this description is comprehensive, it should not be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and tasks that may be required of the employee. The organization reserves the right to assign other tasks or responsibilities as needed, and this role's responsibilities may evolve in response to changes in the organization's goals and priorities. Flexibility and adaptability are key attributes for success in this dynamic work environment. 

NEKCA is a proud equal-opportunity employer. We work diligently to recruit a broad pool of candidates and to hire and promote qualified individuals whose personal experiences, characteristics, and talents reasonably reflect the diversity of the communities served by NEKCA. Our equal employment opportunities apply to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We encourage applications from women, minority groups, veterans, and people with disabilities.  

Qualifications for positions within NEKCA are determined by the duties and responsibilities of the position itself. 

Requirements

Education and Experience:

BA (required) 

Master's (preferred) or 8 years of relevant experience

5-10 years of relevant experience (required) 

Background Checks:

Employees in this role are required to undergo a background check in accordance with NEKCA policy, which may include verifying education, employment history, criminal background and driving records. 

Transportation Requirements:

This position requires that employees possess a valid driver's license, favorable driving record results and have access to dependable transportation.